Sixteen of twenty four, its ancient designation, And twenty two of seven was a late approximation. Here to there, then there again, assuming here is central, It's a simple meditation, but the result is transcendental

A barrel of water weighs one hundred pounds someone puts something in the barrel and now it weighs sixty pounds. What did they put in the barrel.

I am what men love more than life, fear more than death or mortal strife, What dead men have and rich require. I'm what contented men desire

I can cover kingdoms but not be touched or seen; Rulers judge me yet lovers endure me. What am I?

In the past I was ten to the power of four, but now I can be less or I can be more. Some people would say that as a noun I'm improper, but noun before adjective, in that form I first prospered.